Arsenal currently have three players listed as injured, with Mikel Arteta hoping for at least two of them back this weekend.
The Gunners come off an entertaining affair in the Champions League. They beat Khazakhstani side Kairat 3-2 at the Emirates. But the biggest storylines from the game had nothing to do with the final result in truth.
Most Read on Gooner News
Arsenal’s first goal came from Viktor Gyokeres, just two minutes into the game, which was a huge deal considering his recent form. Kai Havertz then scored after 15 minutes, in what was his first start back from injury.
Havertz also got the assist for Gyokers’ goal, and so many Arsenal fans are excited to see what the German can do, now that he is finally back from injury. Speaking of injuries, the Gunners have three players who could potentially miss their game against Leeds this weekend…
William Saliba
Saliba is dealing with a knock that he picked up against Manchester United, which forced him to get left out of the Champions League squad in midweek. It isn’t understood to be a major issue, but it has made the Frenchman a doubt for the weekend.
Should Saliba miss the game, one of Piero Hincapie or Cristhian Mosquera would likely take his place alongside Gabriel in defence, but Arteta would rather Saliba against an impressive Leeds side.
He is currently being assessed by the Arsenal training staff, and hopes to make his return this weekend for the Gunners.
Expected return date – Saturday 31 January vs Leeds United (A)
Jurrien Timber
Timber is, like Saliba, dealing with a small knock that he picked up last weekend. It isn’t expected to keep him out for long, and he could also be making a return against Leeds.
Ben White played in his place during the week against Kairat, and White will be poised to step in this weekend if he needs to, but Timber is currently being assessed.
Arteta spoke about both Timber and Saliba in his mid-week press conference. He said: “They have some niggles… It’s a good opportunity now that we make a different kind of work with them to get them in the best possible condition for the weekend, hopefully.”
Expected return date – Saturday 31 January vs Leeds United (A)
Max Dowman
Dowman is also out injured, although there is no chance that he will be available this weekend, because he is dealing with a longer-term ankle injury.
The 15-year-old has been out of action since early December, and will hope to make a return well in time for the end of the season. But, seeing as he’s so early in his career, Arteta won’t want to rush him back.
He described Dowman as “evolving well”, but did confirm that he’s not back in training yet, so it could be midway through February before we start to see him again.
Expected return date – Sunday 15 February vs Wigan Athletic (H)